You have a great 1st system, it took me a while too to find a good pair of speakers and i found that no matter the equip. a good speaker will always sound better than a not so good speaker hooked up to great electronics. It took me almost 7 years of listening to find the speakers that i love and the matching equipment but from your pics you already started out great.
Jamiek, Don't feel so bad. We all make a lot of mistakes along the way. It's hard to do all of the comparisons we should do, and at least you can sell the Focals and get something that suits you better eventually.
Ok, after listening forever and being a huge supporter of Focal speakers and owning many pairs, I have to admit, finally, that are not good speakers to listen to. They are harsh and bright and not soulful. I've owned 5 different sets and matched them with so many different amps and sources and I've never ever been completely happy with them. I hang my head low in admitting this. I wanted so so badly to advertise their brilliance. I just heard a pair of Sonus Faber speakers hooked up to my system and they so thoroughly blew my focals away that I was actually sad that I had made the mistake I did in buying the focals. I've also hooked up Harbeth speakers, B&W speakers and many others. Basically all were better than mine in almost every category.
Tboooe, I've bought the kimber monocles and have done a couple listening tests with audiophile friends and friends who couldn't care less. Across the board, the kimber cables were preferred. I find the difference about as great as I've heard from a cable switch up. Don't forget, the kimber cables are about twice the price, so they better be better.
That's great news !!!!! It shows how much the room influences the sound and it permits you to "hear" your system's sound so you can better evaluate/enjoy it !!!!!
Samhar, I have tried what you recommended and it seems to be a beneficial move to the sound of my system. It's more 3D sounding and the reverb from my walls is definitely reduced. Thank you for the advice.
When the tweeters were aimed to cross in front of your head did that eliminate any room problems ? What was the difference in sound ? Did this change the sound stage ? Just curious as to your experiences. Thanks
I think speaker positioning is possibly the most important thing to consider when looking for good sound. As far as reflections go, that will depend on your room and its shape. My room is almost impossible to work around so I just do my best. I think bdr stuff is really good. All I can say is try them out every where and decide for yourself if you prefer the sound. One thing I've noticed is that it's very beneficial to have your equipment as far from the speakers as possible. This way you'll have fewer vibrations effecting your equipment.
What are your thoughts on speaker position/reducing reflections !!!! I like metal spikes with speakers and the BDR cones for shelves and equipment, that being said I'm thinking of trying some type of "soft" feet under the WP's just to experience the difference.
Also, I'd like to buy some cardas clear light speaker cable. Does anyone have an opinion on how they'd sound compared to my acoustic zen hologram II cables?
Absolutely no reason to insult you're very fine, and well thought out system so I can only assume Altmann214 was referring to the picture of your feet. It made me smile a bit. Either that or he is a troll.
Samhar, I have tried a lot of positions for my speakers. I admit to having a hard time getting it just right. I'll do exactly what you say and see how it goes. Unfortunately, my room is a weird shape and I can't seem to nail it. Thanks for the input. Also, is the troll "Altmann 214"? I don't understand his comment.
Nice system ! Don't let the troll get under your skin !!!!!! Have you tried pointing the tweeter at a point in front of your head? This reduces side wall reflections if the 1st and 2nd reflection points aren't "treated". Always good to try to hear the speakers in the room with minimized side wall reflections!!!!!
